Course Content and Outcome Guide for BA 101

Course Number:

BA 101

Course Title:

Introduction to Business

Credit Hours:

4

Lecture Hours:

40

Lecture/Lab Hours:

0

Lab Hours:

0

Special Fee:

Course Description

Survey course in the field of business including topics such as management, finance accounting, marketing, production, computers, international business, small business, investments and other areas of general business interest. Prerequisites: WR 115, RD 115, and MTH 20 or equivalent placement test scores. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

Introduction to Business is designed to expose the interested student to many functions of modern business. The course shows the student how these functions exist in a changing society and the type of decisions which must be made within that environment. The course is also designed to expose the student to the multitude of career fields in the areas of business. The importance of business in the modern society is also stressed throughout the course. Topics such as business environment, management, organization, marketing, finance, accounting, and data processing are discussed in an introductory manner. Credits will be acceptable as required and/or elective for Portland community College's Business Administration and Business Technology Certificate or Degree Programs. This course is not designed to provide for entry level employment or job upgrading except to provide background knowledge of business.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon successful completion of BA 101, the student will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the forces that shape the business and economic structure of the United States of America.

Demonstrate an understanding of the major functions of business including Management, Accounting/Finance, Marketing, Investments, and Information Technology.

Explain why business ethics is an integral part of every business organization.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Introduction to Business is one of the most vital classes in business or office administration. It is often the student's first exposure to contemporary business. As a result, the introductory business course can produce lifelong impressions and attitudes. Introduction to Business may be one of the most influential courses a student takes in business administration. At the beginning of the course, the instructor will detail methods used to evaluate student progress and the criteria for assigning a course grade. The methods may include one or more of the following tools:

examinations, quizzes, homework assignments, small group problem solving of questions arising from application of course concepts and concerns to actual experience, oral presentations, and a stock market game.

Instructors may use a variety of methods in teaching the course depending on their background and experience. Suggested alternatives include:

Student discussions of decisions on problems, questions, cases, etc., from the student supplement, textbook, Wall Street Journal, or situations provided by the instructor.

Student participation in individual or group projects dealing with various aspects of business including audio-visual term papers, market surveys, market experimentation, development of small business (on paper), and reporting to class.

Stock Market Game, having students follow a few listed stocks on the NYSE or AMEX, or unlisted OTC stock. Research the selected companies using materials found in public libraries. Read and understand stock market quotations.